Assistant Principal for Student Services

Department: School Administration/Student Services

FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Exempt; Unit B

Reports to:Principal: Assistant Principal for Student Services – Middle School

In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

SUMMARY: 

The Assistant Principal for Student Services provides special education and guidance leadership, including oversight of staff and programming at the middle school.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or higher in education administration, special education or related field
• Massachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator and Special Educator
• Three or more years of experience as an administrator
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education regulations
• Thorough understanding of testing reports and ability to interpret them
• Ability to effectively supervise, evaluate, coach and mentor teachers and counselors
• Ability to handle a multitude of varying and complex issues
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders
• Solid technological skills
• Demonstrated organizational skills

 
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience supervising and/or working with counselors
• Experience working in a large school district
• Ability to think creatively, especially with regard to resources
• Innovative approach to programming
• Strong work ethic

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

• Organize, supervise and evaluate all guidance, special education, and counseling programs
• Supervise and evaluate all members of the Student Services department
• Encourage staff development and provide ongoing in-service programs for department members and regular education teachers
• Develop, promote and foster a shared commitment to high standards of teaching and learning with high expectations for achievement for all
• Develop, promote and model commitment to core values that guide the development of a succinct, results-oriented mission statement and ongoing decision making
• Assist department members in the handling of day-to-day problems of instructions and guidance, and act as a resource for them
• Monitor and provide appropriate consultation services for the department
• Coordinate the hiring process for teachers and aides in the department
• Continually monitor students’ progress, including overseeing screening and referral for evaluation and functioning of evaluation teams
• Identify a range of appropriate data sources and effectively analyze the data for decision making
• Maintain the student records in the middle school in an accurate and timely fashion and in accordance with students’ and parents’ rights under law
• Oversee the registration, placement, and orientation programs that facilitate the transition for all students entering the middle school
• Coordinate the smooth transition of all students as they move from grades 5 through 9
• Oversee the administration of testing programs, such as the MCAS
• Supervise the development of individual education programs for special needs students
• Monitor and encourage the development of new programs designed to meet the needs of students with special needs in the least restrictive environment
• Administer and coordinate tutorial programs
• Other duties as needed

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work Environment:

• Majority of work is performed in a school environment

Physical Requirements:

• Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to operate computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine and all other standard office equipment
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
  • Ability to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 15 pounds
  • Sufficient mobility to navigate within a large school building